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A bend in your septum, caused by a nose injury or the way it has grown over time, can block your nose. This can make it more difficult for you to breathe through one or both nostrils, and cause symptoms such as frequent nosebleeds and loud breathing when you're sleeping.

Septoplasty surgery can help by straightening out your septum, or removing any parts that are causing a blockage.

Our patients are at the heart of what we do and we want you to be in control of your care. To us, that means you can choose the consultant you want to see, and when you want. They'll be with you every step of the way.

All of our consultants are of the highest calibre and benefit from working in our modern, well-equipped hospitals.

Our consultants have high standards to meet, often holding specialist NHS posts and delivering expertise in complex sub-specialty surgeries. Many of our consultants have international reputations for their research in their specialised field.

We understand that having surgery can potentially be a time of anxiety and worry. Our experienced and caring medical staff will be there for you, holding your hand, every step of the way.

A septoplasty is usually performed under general anaesthesia, which means you will be asleep throughout the procedure and will feel no pain.

During the operation, the surgeon will make an incision inside your nose to one side of the septum. The inner lining of your nose is lifted away from the cartilage and bone. The surgeon can then straighten the septum, or remove any parts that are causing obstruction. Once this has been done, the lining is replaced and stitched in place.

The procedure usually takes up to 40 minutes, depending on how much work your surgeon needs to do on the septum.

Septoplasty is usually performed as an overnight procedure. After the procedure, you will be taken from the operating theatre to a recovery room, where you will come round from the anaesthesia under close supervision.

After this, you will be taken to your room or comfortable area where you can rest and recuperate until we feel you’re ready to go home.

Pain relief

If you need them, continue taking painkillers as advised by the hospital.

Recovery time

After septoplasty surgery, your nose will feel blocked for about three days, and there may be some numbness on the tip of your nose or your upper lip. This is almost always temporary. Very occasionally, there may be bruising around the lower part of the eyes, which will settle naturally.

Follow your surgeon’s advice about returning to work and leisure activities. Most people are able to return to work one to two weeks after the operation.

How your loved ones can help

Once you’re ready to be discharged from hospital, you’ll need to arrange a taxi, friend or family member to take you home as general anaesthesia can temporarily affect your co-ordination and reasoning skills, so you should not drive, drink alcohol, operate machinery or sign legal documents for 48 hours afterwards.

Looking after you

Even after you’ve left hospital, we’re still looking after you every step of the way.

Typically your consultant will want to see you after your treatment to see how you’re doing; a follow up appointment will be made for you before you leave the hospital.

On rare occasions, complications following septoplasty surgery can occur. If you experience any of these symptoms – bleeding that doesn’t stop within ten to 15 minutes, inability to drink normally which can lead to dehydration, a raised temperature or increasing pain – call us straight away.

We will talk to you about the possible risks and complications of having this procedure.

We are committed to delivering excellent individual care and customer service across our network of hospitals, clinics and specialist care centres around the UK. Our dedicated and highly trained team aim to achieve consistently excellent results. For us it's more than just treating patients, it's about looking after people.

A fixed price for this treatment may be available on enquiry and following an initial consultation.

You can trust Spire Bushey Hospital to provide you with a single, fixed price (1) so there are no surprises. And, through our carefully chosen partner (2) you can even be considered for interest free finance.

We’re here to help you with making these important choices, so you’re then free to concentrate on your treatment and on getting back to being you.

(1) Important: Please read Spire’s terms and conditions for full details of what’s included and excluded in your fixed price* when paying for yourself.

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Spire Bushey Hospital

Heathbourne RoadBusheyHertfordshireWD23 1RD

020 8950 9090

Thank you and best regards from the Spire Healthcare team

Important to note

The treatment described on this page may be adapted to meet your individual needs, so it's important to follow your healthcare professional's advice and raise any questions that you may have with them.